Hisham Adeeb Hijjawi (1931–1990) was a pioneering Palestinian-Jordanian entrepreneur, and philanthropist whose belief in the power of education continues to shape the lives of students across Jordan and Palestine.

Born in Nablus, Palestine, Hisham Hijjawi studied at An-Najah College and began his career as a schoolteacher. In 1953, like many Palestinians of his generation, he relocated to Kuwait, where he built a successful career in business. Yet despite his personal achievements, he remained committed to uplifting others—firmly believing that education and economic empowerment, not conflict, were the keys to progress and dignity.

Hijjawi was particularly passionate about technical and vocational education. He saw practical skills not only as essential for personal advancement, but as the backbone of any thriving economy. In 1981, he established the Scientific Foundation of Hisham Adeeb Hijjawi in Vaduz, Liechtenstein—an independent, non-profit foundation dedicated to advancing technical and applied science education in Jordan and Palestine.

This vision culminated in 1984 when, in partnership with Yarmouk University, the Hijjawi Foundation funded and helped establish the Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology. It was the first faculty of its kind in Jordan, designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application. The goal was to create an institution that would train engineers, technicians, and innovators capable of driving national development.

Until his passing in 1990, Hisham Hijjawi remained devoted to this mission—investing much of his personal wealth into the Foundation to ensure long-term impact. His work laid the groundwork for a new model of applied engineering education in the Arab world.

Today, the Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology stands as a living tribute to his legacy—producing thousands of engineers who carry forward his values of excellence, purpose, and service to community.